The month that hosts Valentine’s Day has ended, and now is the time to strengthen your marriage.
Because we are guys and may not like to read lengthy blogs, I want to keep this one short and concise.
I walk with a lot of guys struggling in their marriage. Typically, it comes down to a few basic ideas.
They’re bored, lonely, unrecognized, or frustrated.
Sound familiar?
This is why men need other strong and healthy men to hang out with and vent at times.
Jot down these 7 ideas and keep them handy!
1. Pray for her.
Get the focus off of you and begin praying for your wife. She needs your prayer! Ask God to bless her, strengthen her, protect her, and to give her peace. This simple act of selflessness will change your heart and mind toward your wife.
2. Date her.
Yep, keep dating! Ask her out. Make it a big deal. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just make it meaningful. Make the time with her a priority, and don’t mess with your phone at the table. Look at her. Be with her. And…
3. Listen to her.
I thought I was a good listener until I began practicing. Listening involves my ears. Listening also involves my eyes, heart, mind, and undivided attention. Listen to your wife like she is the most important person in your life–because she is! God ordained it following your relationship with Him. So, listen to her!
4. Pursue her.
Guys, most of us know how to hunt. Some of us are better than others. If you want to feel better about your hunting skills, invite me! The problem is that we hunt animals more passionately than we pursue our wives. We invest hours of time and hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars to kill one buck, but we neglect the most important earthly relationship. Father, forgive us! Guys, pursue your wife.
5. Be a gentleman to her.
Chivalry is alive. Unfortunately, it’s not that common. Guys, practice being a gentleman with your wife. Hold her doors. Allow her to enter an establishment first. Stand when she enters the room. Walk on the roadside of a sidewalk. Make sure she’s warm and feels protected by you. Be a modern-day knight.
6. Be a man she can trust.
Does your wife trust you? If not, you have some work to do…and it will take time. You may need to visit a counselor together to discover the reason(s) and how to repair trust. A simple idea is to ask your wife if she trusts you and how you can rebuild that trust. You might be surprised.
7. Love her like Jesus.
Paul the Apostle wrote, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Do you love your wife like that? Would you give up your life for her? Would you give up football, hunting, your hobby, or your truck for her? Yes, love her like Jesus. You will be easier to love, too.
Now is the time to strengthen your marriage!
